Advice for turning 10

We celebrated you turning 10 last night! An entire decade!! Where has time gone? I didn't take as many pictures as I usually do, but the memories will last even without the pictures. You are loved by so many and it shows with all that always come to celebrate you. You are a really lucky girl! You have already started developing your own identity and who you want others to see you as. You have transitioned from MK to Madelyn to Maddy. [You'll never be Maddy to me-- sorry kid that name is taken 😊] Whatever you decide to go by, you will always be my Kooky Lou! As you continue to become your own person and let your personality shine, remember these 10 things.

10- Never loose your Glow

You have always stood out from the crowd and did things your way in your time. It's okay to stand out and be different. I know I sometimes question your clothing choices, but you don't care. While this sometimes drives me crazy, it is one thing I love about you. You like what you like. Don't ever feel you need to change who you are to fit in.

9- Little eyes are watching

You are getting older and becoming a role model for the little eyes. This is your cousins, younger dancers, kids at school. Everywhere you go, little eyes are watching. You won't always know they are watching, so be mindful of what you do and say. Don't do something you wouldn't be proud to see Anna (or anyone you love) do!

8- Play hard and get dirty

Give life your all. Don't forget what you love to do, even if it isn't the popular thing to do. Put on make up when it's time but don't forget how to kick the soccer ball or play in the mud. You may not be the best, but give it a try and have fun doing it-- whatever it is.

7- Words Hurt

You've experienced this some this year but it's only going to get worse as you get older. Your words are going to hurt your friends' feelings and their words are going to hurt your feelings. Think about things before you say them. Ask yourself, how you would feel if someone said it to you? Is it helpful to the other person? Be respectful when you talk to people- young and old alike.

6- Never stop reading

You have loved reading for as long as I can remember. Never stop reading. Read for fun, read to learn, read to escape reality, read for adventures... whatever the reason-- just keep reading!

The more read the more things you will know. The more you learn the more places you will go! - Dr. Seuss

5- Remember your village and choose 5

The old saying is "It takes a village to raise a child". You have a large village, use it! There will be things you don't want to talk to me and Daddy about- find one of your 5 and talk. What is this 5? 5 adults in addition to me and daddy-- you have lots to choose from. These are the 5 people who you truly care what they have to say. They are the people who will call you out when you are being a jerk but be your biggest cheerleader. Don't be afraid to talk to them, but more importantly, listen to what they have to say. They will help you be the best you, you can be.

4- It's okay to be wrong

You are smart! Being smart does not always make you right. It is okay to to be wrong and admit you are wrong. I know this is something you struggle with. Being wrong is a chance to learn and grow. Learn from those around you, even your friends. Being a friend is about give and take. Give your opinion, listen to other's opinions and come to a compromise when needed. Take corrections and learn when you are wrong.

3- Don't stop believing!

Believe in magic. Believe in yourself. Believe in your friends. There will be people that doubt your beliefs and try to sway you to not believe - don't stop believing! Follow your dreams and make magic happen.You want to be a professional artist and dancer - believing you can be successfully at both and working hard will get you there.

2- Be last; don't rush through life

You aren't always going to be the best at everything and that is okay. Take your time and make sure you do a good job. You don't have to be the 1st in line. You don't have to be the 1st done with your test/homework. You don't have to win everything- and you won't. There will always be people better at things than you. Take your time and improve your skills. Let others cut you in line, pass the snacks to the person behind you and wait for the next one, be a helper and don't be afraid to be last.

1- You may out grow our lap, but never our hearts!

Daddy and I will always be your biggest fans, no questions about it. We will love you at your best and at your worst. The years are coming where you will want to do your own thing and be with us less. Remember the values and morals we've taught you and always stay true to who you are. There will be peer pressure to do things you know you shouldn't do. You will try things as you get older. You will hide things from us and be sneaky. Daddy and I want you to have fun and enjoy life but be safe and make smart decisions. No matter what, you can always call us- night or day. We will be here for you.

___________________________________________________

I'll end with our annual birthday questions. Each year since MK was 2, I have asked her the same set of questions. It's fun to see what has stayed the same over the years and what has changed as she has gotten older.

Annual Birthday Questions

What is your favorite color? anything metallic
what
is your favorite toy? LPS
What is your favorite fruit? pineapple
what is your favorite TV show? Bizardvark
What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? popcorn chicken or pizza dippers
What is your favorite games? Roblox
What is your favorite thing to wear? a jumper
what is your favorite snack? rice crispy treats
what is your favorite animal? grey fox or red wolf
what
is your favorite song? Never fully dressed without a smile by Rihanna
favorite book? Warriorsbest friend? Hollie and Ali-Cat
eat for breakfast? waffles
thing to do outside? play soccer
favorite drink? grape juice
favorite holiday? Easter
take to bed with with you? Madyson Bear and Ice Cold
what do you want to be when you grow up? a professional artist and dancer
where is your favorite place to go? Dance
What is something Mommy always says? hurry up
What is something Daddy always says? I love you
What's your favorite thing about 4th grade? the teachers that plan the fun activities
Anything else you want people to know?girl scout cookies are *thumbs up*